High strain carbon nanotubes based epoxy matrix nanocomposite

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes, synthesized by catalytic chemical vapour deposition using xylene as the carbon precursor and ferrocene as the catalyst source, were used as reinforcements for the preparation of carbon nanotubes based epoxy matrix composites. For higher degree of dispersion in the matrix system, oxygen containing groups (C=O, COOH) were attached to the surface of carbon nanotubes by acid treatment followed by rigorous sonication of reinforcement in the matrix system. FTIR confirms the formation of oxygen containing groups on the surface of the carbon nanotubes. Tensile strength and glass transition temperature of the epoxy resin as well as nanocomposite samples have been determined. Carbon nanotubes reinforced composites exhibited ten times higher elongation than as such epoxy mainly due to the strengthening effect of the dispersed nanotubes and the development of moderate interfacial bonding between the resin and the reinforcing agent. A noticeable increase in the glass transition temperature of ∼20°C in the nanocomposites is attributable to the restricted movement of the polymeric chains on account of addition of carbon nanotubes.